Why Should One Consider Kashmir as a Solo Traveller?
Are you planning to visit Kashmir as a solo traveller? Visiting Kashmir as a solo traveller it’s completely safe whether you are planning for an adventure trip, a campaign trip, or you like to explore the valley, this beautiful region offers everything you are looking for.
Kashmiri people are known for their warm hospitality, The locals are friendly and welcoming, and are more than happy to share their culture and traditions with tourists which makes it easy for solo travellers to feel at home. So whatever you require during your solo trip they will help and guide you.
There are many reasons to visit Kashmir as a solo traveller, such as exploring the valley, planning to trek with experts to Kashmir’s great lakes, or staying in a houseboat at Dal Lake for a week, which is a chance to get close with nature from modern life.
Another reason to visit Kashmir as a solo traveller you will get the experience of Kashmiri culture. The valley has a long history in its art of architecture, floating luxury houseboats, producing high quality silk hand knotted carpets, Pashmina Shawls, walnut wood carving, and the world’s famous food Kashmiri wazwan.
How Safe is Kashmir for Solo Women Travellers?
Kashmir is a safe destination for solo female travellers. While it’s always advisable to be aware during the trip and follow the necessary safety precautions when travelling alone, Kashmir is completely safe and secure for any solo traveller and has a relatively low crime rate.
There are many tour operators and resources available to help you to plan your trip as a solo female traveller to Kashmir. You can book a complete tour package with food accommodation and transportation or hire a local tour guide who can show you around the valley and provide you with the necessary support and assistance.
You can also stay in houseboat hotels or guesthouses that are specifically cater for solo female travellers, or you can join a group tour with other solo female travellers to make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
Plan Your Solo Trip to Kashmir: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are planning a solo trip to Kashmir it will be an exciting and memorable experience for a lifetime. As I am a local person from Kashmir I have written some tips which can help you to plan your trip.
Research: The best way is to know about Kashmir to research before you plan your trip. Which can help you to make informed decisions where to explore in the valley or you can contact a local travel operator who can make your trip easy.
Set a budget: Kashmir is a budget friendly place. Set your budget before your journey starts and calculate your expenses for food, travel, accommodation, and activities ensure that you are covered accordingly. This will help you to plan your solo vacation to Kashmir.
Book your accommodations: Choose a comfortable place in Srinagar the capital of Kashmir. A city offers many hotels, guest houses, and houseboats which caters specially to solo travellers or you can search online for accommodation which has good reviews given by other solo travellers.
Plan your activities: As your trip date gets closer do some research about the climate, culture and local information of Kashmir. Check out what type of activities and attractions are available. This will help you know that you will not miss any must see attractions.
Pack wisely: Start packing your luggage and make list of clothes and other essentials according to the climate of Kashmir. Avoid overloading your bags carry only what makes your trip more comfortable and easy.
Stay connected: It’s important to note that prepaid SIM will not work there due to regulations implemented by the Jammu and Kashmir government. It is recommended to carry a postpaid or pre on post SIM card in order to stay connected during your trip.
Stay safe: It’s important to follow the rules of every place, be aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling at night, keep a low profile, always stay in touch with your loved ones, carry I’d card, pass passport, visa, this is how your solo travel will be more safe and adventurous.
By following these steps, you can plan your solo adventure trip to Kashmir that is enjoyable, comfortable, and safe. Whether you are planning for adventure, exploring, or just relaxing.
Essential Items for your Solo Kashmir Trip
You should pack wisely and choose the right backpack according to your requirements. Below you can read my recommendation on what to carry during your solo trip to Kashmir.
These are some essential products to carry for every solo traveller during their trip as follows:
- First aid kit
- Passport Visa and ID cards
- Credit or debit and enough cash
- Drink only bottled water
- Smartphone for photography
- A map or guide book
Size: Carry a backpack according to your travel requirements an average backpack 40 to 60 litres is sufficient for a solo trip. In which all your essentials can fit like clothes, toiletries, laptop, or any other product as per your travel requirements, don’t overload your backpack, which can make your trip more uncomfortable.
Comfort & Durability: Choose a backpack which is comfortable to wear and has a good support for shoulder and back, that should made of durable material such as nylon or polyester which can last longer. This advice is specially for solo travellers where they can easily go for trekking, camping, hiking or just for exploring.
Security Convenience: A backpack with good security features such as lockable zippers, which can help you to keep your valuables safe and has convenient features like multiple pockets, adjustable strips, and a rain cover that will help you stay organised and hydrated.
Clothing: Packing clothes for Kashmir as a solo traveller depends on which season you are planning to visit. I have written a short guide on what to carry in summer and for winter.
Summer
- Shorts, linen, t-shirts, denims
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Cotton dress, Kurtis and Sandals
Winter
- Heavy coat or jacket and sweaters
- Woollen gloves, and hat
- Warm, shoes with warm socks
- Body thermals, trousers and shawls
Avoid overloading your backpack which causes discomfort and difficulty while walking.
Best Places to Visit in Kashmir as a Solo Traveller?
Kashmir offers many places to explore, It depends on your travel plans. Suppose if you are planning your Itinerary for 4 nights and 5 days you can easily cover all major tourist attractions of the valley.
Srinagar, a city of lakes, is surrounded by Zabarwan hills and is a popular tourist destination of India. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and several historical landmarks such as Mughal gardens, Jamai Masjid, Hazratbal shrine, and Shankaracharya temple. Travelling as a solo Srinagar is completely safe and convenient to travel around Kashmir. A city offers a range of accommodations like hotels, houseboats, and guesthouses especially designed for solo travellers.
Gulmarg has been ranked as the top hill station of India by many travellers. It is situated in the Pir Panjal range of Himalaya and is known for the highest Ski Resort and 18-hole Golf Course at an altitude of 3985 Metres above sea level. Gulmarg offers a number of tourist attractions during the year one of its world popular attractions is Gondola ride.
Things to do in Gulmarg:
- Gondola ride
- Golfing
- Trekking
- Pony riding
- Buta Pathri
- Visit Maharani temple
- Strawberry valley
- St. Mary’s Church
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Pahalgam is located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and is one of the major revered pilgrimage places for Hindus known as Amarnath Yatra that starts in the month of July or August. The town is situated at the elevation 2740 m surrounded by pine forests, snow capped mountains and the crystal clear river flows known as Liddar which originates from Kolahoi Glacier. The Liddar river is a main charm of Pahalgam and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Things to do in Pahalgam:
- Visit Betaab Valley
- Chandanwari
- Mamaleshwar Temple
- Aru Valley
- Lidder Amusement Park
- Horse riding
- White water rafting
- Trekking to Alpine lakes
- Camping
- Trout fishing
Sonamarg which means Meadow of Gold, is the 3rd famous hill station of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Ganderbal district, around 80 kilometres from Srinagar and known for its famous attraction Thajiwas Glacier located around 3 kilometres from Sonamarg which is a source of Sind river and a popular spot for trekking and skiing. The trek to the glacier takes around two hours, by ponies from Sonamarg town. After visiting the glacier, you can visit the Nilagrad River in the evening and explore the local market of Sonamarg.
Things to do in Sonamarg:
- Thajiwas Glacier
- Nilagrad River
- Gangabal Lake
- Vishansar Lake
- Gadsar Lake
- Krishansar Lake
- Satsar Lake
- Nichnai Lake
- Zero Point
- Sledging
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Campaign
- Trout Fishing
- White Water River Rafting
- Sonamarg great lakes trek
Whether you are visiting for adventure, trekking, or just for relaxation these are the best places to visit in Kashmir for a solo traveller.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel To Kashmir as a Solo?
This question has always remained unexplained, but I am here to provide a detailed answer.
Planning a solo trip to Kashmir and considering the cost of travel depends upon your budget, where you like to stay and what activities you do while you are in Kashmir. For example, a 4-night and 5-day tour package including food transport and accommodation will range from ₹15499 to ₹44500 per person.
I recommend, by contacting a local Kashmiri reputable travel agent who can help you to organise a complete tour package with an accurate estimate of the total cost of your trip where you can be assured that you have a smooth and enjoyable trip and are getting value and service for your solo trip to Kashmir
Conclusion – A Few Final Words On Solo Travel to Kashmir
In a bottom line travelling to Kashmir can be an adventurous and rewarding experience. It’s completely safe for solo ladies travellers there are many resources and organisations available to help and organise your trip. It’s always advisable plan before your trip, set your budget, about food accommodation and activities.
Do your own research and pack your clothes wisely, stay connected, be aware of your surroundings, follow necessary precautions during the trip by following these tips, you will have a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable solo trip to Kashmir.
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